Why Should You Choose In-Home Elderly Care Services?
Why Should You Choose In-Home Elderly Care Services?
Published on November 04, 2022. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes
Many Indians live in a joint family setup with the children looking after the wellbeing of their aged parents and other family members. While some children are still the main elderly caregivers of the family, many are opting for in-home elderly care services nowadays owing to busy schedules. These special services are a big help for those who require assistance in doing their day-to-day activities, such as bathing, eating, dressing and maintaining personal hygiene. Apart from helping the elderly manage their daily routine and live a healthy life, the caregivers may also handle other chores around the house, such as cooking and cleaning.
If you have elderly parents or grandparents at home who require assistance in performing the activities of daily living, opting for in-home elderly care services is the best option. It will not only improve their quality of life, but also ensure your peace of mind. Also, since elderly people are prone to age-related conditions, make sure you cover them under health insurance for family or senior citizen health insurance policy. Such a policy will cover their hospital bills and associated expenses and prevent financial setbacks.
Role of In-Home Elderly Care Services
In-home elderly care services make life easier for seniors who are unable to perform their day-to-day activities easily due to age-related issues or injury. The trained caregivers or attendants stay with the seniors 24/7 and help them with their routine tasks as well as cooking, eating, medication, and more. Hiring these services also keep family members at ease, especially if they have a job or business that keeps them away from home for long hours.
Most in-home elderly care attendants perform the following roles for the seniors:
• Bathing and hair washing
• Shaving
• Help with dressing
• Help with eating
• Help with personal hygiene
• Washroom assistance
• Medication reminders
Different Types of In-Home Elderly Care Services
There are different types of in-home elderly care services available in India. Some important ones are:
1. Personal care services:
If you want someone to take care of the daily activities of an elderly family member, you can opt for personal care services. From personal grooming, toileting and bathing to cooking and feeding, the trained caregivers or attendants take care of them all. The attendants may also monitor diet, take seniors for a stroll and help with cooking, grocery shopping and certain house works.
2. Physiotherapy services:
Seniors suffering from conditions like unbendable ligaments, stiff joints, arthritis and other mobility issues can benefit from physiotherapy services. Physiotherapy can ease pain and stiffness, thereby improving mobility and the overall well-being of the elderly.
3. Counselling services:
Counselling services can help seniors with emotional or psychological issues. There are some senior care centres offering in-home as well as online counselling sessions for the elderly. These sessions can help people suffering from depression, dementia, anxiety disorders, cognitive deterioration, confusion and other age-related psychological issues.
4. Companion care services:
If you need someone to be with an elderly family member when you are away for work, you can choose companion care services. The caregiver will be with your loved one throughout the day and keep away feelings of loneliness or isolation.
Important Qualities for In-Home Elderly Care Service Providers
When you are looking to hire the services of a caregiver for an elderly family member, look for a reputed and trusted service provider in the locality. You can also ask friends and relatives for recommendations. Once you have shortlisted a company, convey them your requirements and choose a caregiver with the following qualities:
• The caregiver should be caring toward the elderly client
• They must listen to the client attentively
• They must talk to the elderly in a compassionate manner
• They must take interest in maintaining the overall wellbeing of your loved one
Benefits of In-Home Elderly Care Services
In-home elderly care services are the best for senior citizens who need assistance with daily activities and wish to age with dignity. With the help of a caregiver, the elders can stay at home and live a comfortable life with their live ones around. Here’s a look at the benefits of in-home elderly care services.
1. Better quality of life:
Caregivers help the elderly with their day-to-day activities and make life easier for them. They take care of toileting, bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, oral care, meals, medicines and other things, helping seniors live a respectful, easier and happier life through their old age.
2. More independence:
Elderly people living in their homes can enjoy more independence when compared to those living in assisted living facilities or senior living facilities. Living in someone else’s space will mean following certain rules, such as planned activity schedules, set mealtimes and more. On the other hand, in-home elderly care services allow seniors to control their personal lives their way. They can choose their routines and receive care in the comfort and privacy of their homes.
3. Constant contact with family and friends:
In-home elderly care allows seniors to stay near their loved ones and friends. This helps reduce loneliness, feeling of neglect and mental issues like anxiety and depression. Hiring in-home elderly care services for your parents or grandparents will also save you from worrying about their safety and wellbeing.
4. Companionship:
A trained caregiver is like a constant companion of the elderly. Apart from helping them with their day-to-day routine and other things, the caregiver takes care of their emotional wellbeing as well. They can play board or card games with the seniors, have fun conversations with them, and more.
5. Ensures safety:
Some senior citizens are at a higher risk of falls and injuries due to poor balance, vision problems and mobility issues. The unfamiliar surroundings of an assisted living facility will increase this risk and make things difficult for them. When you hire in-home elderly care services, your loved one can stay in familiar surroundings. The caregiver will stay with the elderly family member 24/7 and assist them perform their daily activities safely, thereby preventing slips, falls, fractures and other health hazards. However, keep a senior citizen health insurance policy handy for those emergency medical expenses.
6. Quicker recovery:
In case an elderly family member is recovering from a recent surgery or injury, they can heal at home with the help of a trained caregiver. Being at home is any time better than staying in a hospital or nursing home for many days. The familiar environment of home and the company of loved ones can help expedite the recovery process. Most health insurance policies in India cover home care service expenses for up to 180 days post hospitalisation, so you need not worry about that either.
Conclusion
In-home elderly care is a boon for seniors and their family members. With the help of caregivers, your elderly parents or grandparents can live a safe, happy, dignified and comfortable life with their family and friends around. Apart from opting for reliable in-home elderly care services, keep a senior citizen health insurance policy handy for their medical emergencies. Health insurance for family is an important purchase that helps you avail timely and quality healthcare services without worrying about the bills.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
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